AMES, Iowa -- A new study by Iowa State University researchers has found
that two dietary supplements -- creatine and HMB
(b-hydroxy-b-methylbutyrate) -- have a positive effect on lean mass and
strength gain in humans.

The study by Rick Sharp, professor of health and human performance, and
Steve Nissen, professor of animal science, found that both creatine and HMB
demonstrated significant increases in net lean mass and strength gains when
combined with resistance training.

The study, "Effect of Dietary Supplements on Lean Mass and Strength Gains
with Resistance Exercise: A Meta-Analysis," was published in the January
2003 issue of the Journal of Applied Physiology and has been rated as the
number one article referenced by online readers.

Sharp and Nissen examined scientific research (conducted between 1967 and
2001) of more than 250 dietary supplements. Six of those met study criteria
for review: creatine, HMB, chromium, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA),
androstenedione and protein. Only creatine and HMB were shown to
significantly affect lean mass or strength gain.

The other four supplements studied -- chromium, dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA), androstenedione and protein -- do not significantly affect lean gain
or strength.

Most of the 250 supplements failed to meet study criteria because there had
not been more than two scientifically sound studies published. Sharp and
Nissen also required that studies reviewed had a duration of at least three
weeks and involved resistance-training two or more times a week during the
original study period.

Sharp said this compendium study is important because the use of general and
specific dietary supplements is widespread among serious and casual athletes
with several hundred specific formulas marketed.

Creatine and HMB showed significant net gain in lean mass and strength each
week, according to Iowa State research. The study also showed that there is
a possible additive effect between creatine and HMB.

"Creatine and HMB both seem to work differently and independently to
positively impact lean mass and muscle strength," said Sharp. "That means
they could potentially work together for a maximum benefit, which doesn't
happen very often."

The safety of creatine and HMB supplements has been addressed in several
papers, Sharp said. Creatine shows no adverse health effects. HMB had no
major health effects but did result in a net decrease in total cholesterol,
LDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure.

HMB, a natural body building compound, was discovered through ISU research
conducted by Nissen.

Sharp said the protein result is significant because that supplement is the
most widely and popularly sold to the public.

"There is a disconnect between what the evidence is and what the market is
showing us," said Sharp. "But the research hasn't borne out any significant
benefit of protein-based
supplements. The average American already consumes more than enough protein
daily to augment lean mass and muscle strength. However, he added, more
studies are being conducted on protein supplements that vary the composition
of the protein and timing of its use.